A case for physical models

This paper discusses the relevance of physical models in the contemporary design of building structures. It starts with a brief overview of the use of physical models in the last 100 years, followed by a description of some recent projects where physical scale modelling played an active role in the design development. The examples are used to illustrate various categories of physical models: namely conceptual models; form-finding models and experimental scale models, and to analyse the limitations of physical models in contrast to digital tools. Ultimately, physical models are presented as a tool to be used in conjunction with and alongside the computer.